Lazy Parrot
The Brisbane Square Library is hosting Queensland- based artist Monique Baqués, with her latest collection of abstract oil paintings. Monique's art brings positive energy after the difficult year that was 2020. In her own words,
"…this year has been a rollercoaster of emotions and challenge, so I decided it was time to create a joyful, vibrant and colourful series of paintings to uplift our spirit. "
Brisbane Square Library
She mostly works in series with oils on canvas, One series is called
"Pairaiso"(2020-2021), which is a humorous contrast between our wonderful City of Brisbane and the Biblical Garden of Eden. Parrots, a common motif in her art from her Asian sojourne, represent Eve and various sins. The 7 virtues are depicted by colourful trees, inspired by The Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha, New Farm park and Hawthorne. Paraiso was originally shown at the Woolloongabba Art Gallery in 2016, then at the Cannes Art Fair in France and the Galleria Mentana in Florence, in Italy.
Tree of Temperance
Honey Forest
Her latest series is
"An Abstract Journey" inspired by the concepts of flexibility, harmony and simplicity.
"I start with the collage technique using colourful papers, drawings and fabriques. I sometimes use digital resources to explore multiple variations of the same theme. I then transfer the chosen one on canvas, by applying oil paint in several flat layers to create strong visual effects. I generally work with various pieces at a time to allow for drying time," Monique said.
Abstract 16
Monique was born in Argentina and is now based in sunny Brisbane. As a visual artist uses the language of colour to express emotions, represent her world and tell meaningful stories. Working with collage and oil on canvas, her work explores the relationship between colour, shape and space.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts in Buenos Aires and a postgraduate degree in Arts Management at the University of Chile. Her life journey took her to France, The Netherlands and Malaysia, enabling her to reap the creative benefits of diverse multicultural experiences. With her husband and three young children, she arrived in Queensland in 2012.
She has exhibited widely throughout Latin America, Europe, Asia and Australia and her works are owned by collectors around the world. She won a competition to design Oxfam postcards in 2006 in The Hague and she represents Argentina at the Art Expo Malaysia 2010.
Abstract Gallery
I have been a fan of Monique since she came to Brisvegas with her family. With the idea that her beautiful art designs can also be wearable, Monique has created unique handbags, accessories and apparel. They have been released under her own brand name
Art2Go. I am the very proud owner of a gorgeous cosmetics bag with one of her colourful prints on it. She is talented and well-travelled - having lived in South America, Europe, Asia now Australia (which is lucky for us).
